Overview

Ratings & Reviews

Special Features

2 festive vintage featurettes:

Jackie Cooper's christmas party

Judy Garland sings "Silent Night"

Classic Oscar nominated cartoon Peace on Earth

Theatrical trailer

Synopsis

A Christmas CarolFor a generation of radio fans, Lionel Barrymore was the definitive Ebeneezer Scrooge. Alas, Barrymore was crippled by arthritis by the time MGM got around to filming Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol in 1938, so the Scrooge role went to contract player Reginald Owen - who, though hardly in the Barrymore league, does a splendid job. Hugo Butler's screenplay must make some adjustments from the source material. The Ghost of Christmas Past, for example, is played not by a robust middle-aged man but by a beautiful young woman (Ann Rutherford). Impeccably cast, the film includes such reliable character players as Leo G. Carroll (Marley's Ghost), Barry McKay (Scrooge's nephew Fred) and Gene and Kathleen Lockhart (Bob and Mrs. Cratchit). The Lockhart's teenaged daughter June makes her screen debut as one of the Cratchit children, while Terry Kilburn is a fine, non-sentimental Tiny Tim. Commendably short for a major production (69 minutes), MGM's Christmas Carol is one of the best adaptations of the oft-filmed Dickens Yuletide classic, and definitely on equal footing with the more famous 1951 Alastair Sim version. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Most relevant reviews

Excellent Christmas Movie & Bonus!

Posted 10 years ago

kevman79

This review is from XMAS CAROL (1938)

Of all the film adaptations of Charles Dickens' 'Christmas Carol,' It is my opinion that the 1951 British version starring Alastair Sim is the best. However, this 1938 rendition starring Reginald Owen, would be my second favorite. And it looks just breathtaking here on this re-mastered dvd that is well worth the buy. Even better, is that the animated short 'Peace On Earth,' which was nominated for an oscar, is included here, and it amazes me how relevant its subject matter still is today. Highly Recommended!

I would recommend this to a friend

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KISSALIVE75

Verified Purchase

Elite Plus Member

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

Classic Christmas movie finally on Blu-Ray

Posted 3 years ago

KISSALIVE75

Verified Purchase

Elite Plus Member

It's nice to see this Classic Christmas movie on Blu-Ray. It has good picture and sound with good extras. It was kind of odd to see the Judy Garland extra of her singing Silent Night on this movie.. I would have thought it would show up on one of her movies. But, good to have it here. Just wish it was longer. If you don't own this movie yet, this would be the format and time to get it.

I would recommend this to a friend

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Therby

Verified Purchase

Member

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

Nice picture.

Posted 1 day ago

Therby

Verified Purchase

Member

This is still my favorite Christmas Carol. Just in case someone doesn't know, Scrooge in this movie is the Captain next door in the original Mary Poppins. I love having this in such great condition.

I would recommend this to a friend

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cruiser50

Verified Purchase

Member

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

Great Movie

This is the all time great Christmas Carol movie cause it is the original. None of the remakes can compare with the actors in this movie. I watch this over and over during the Holiday season. Is by far one of my favorite movies.

I would recommend this to a friend

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KISSALIVE1975

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Member

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

Excellent Transfer of an old Classic

Posted 3 years ago

KISSALIVE1975

Verified Purchase

Member

This movie looks great on Blu-Ray. It looks as good as a movie from this era is going to look. The sound is good, as well. An interesting Extra is Judy Garland singing Silent Night as well as the Trailer for the movie.

I would recommend this to a friend

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Tarus

Verified Purchase

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

Something old, something new.

Posted 1 year ago

Tarus

Verified Purchase

I grew up watching this movie as a kid. The last 2 years it has been hard to find it on TV anymore. So I bought this Blu-ray having not to wait to see it on TV. The remastered old version to Blu-ray is outstanding.

I would recommend this to a friend

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RickyRicardo

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Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

Best Classic Version

Posted 11 months ago

RickyRicardo

Verified Purchase

Member

Best version of A Christmas Carol! The cast is superb, especially Reginald Owen as Scrooge. This adaptation has a wonderful atmosphere that newer versions just can't match.